Balding to skipper against the Dragons

16 August 2010 14:00pm

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Adam Balding will captain Worcester Warriors against the Dragons on Tuesday night

Summer signing Adam Balding will make his full home debut and captain Worcester Warriors as they meet Newport Gwent Dragons in a pre-season friendly at Sixways Stadium on Tuesday night (kick-off 7.30pm).

Balding, who came off the bench to score against Stourbridge Saxons on Saturday, is joined by James Collins and Jake Abbott in the back row as Head Coach Richard Hill makes a total of nine changes to his starting line-up in a bid to give his squad game time.

Big Tongan duo Aleki Lutui and Tevita Taumoepeau are drafted into the front row to partner Bruce Douglas while Graham Kitchener is handed a start alongside Craig Gillies in the second row.

Speedsters Marcel Garvey and Miles Benjamin are both called up and Samoan smasher Dale Rasmussen will form a midfield partnership with Alex Crockett after his impressive display against the Saxons. Willie Walker will start at full back.

New recruits scrum half Andy Williams and powerhouse prop Oliver Tomaszczyk could make their home debuts after being named among the replacements alongside Matt Kvesic, Chris Fortey and Greg King.

"It's important that all the team get game time in pre-season and we have also drafted Matt Kvesic into the squad after he impressed with his performance against us on Saturday," said Richard Hill.

"A number of people who are on the bench this time will get their first rugby of the season and then we will look to start them against Llanelli Scarlets.

"Players like Chris Fortey, Oliver Tomaszczyk, Andy Williams and Greg King fall into that category. People like Andy Goode will also come into consideration for Saturday.

"It's important we look at our accuracy and we have plenty of areas to work on," added Hill. "We had good intensity and concentration against Stourbridge and now we need to produce at a higher level.

"This is a step up and I want to see a positive performance and for us to transfer the good work from training field into match days.

"Against Stourbridge we made 17 of 19 successful offloads, the other two were forward passes, which is very good for a first game.

"Our scrum, lineout and kick off retention were all 100 percent against Stourbridge and our breakdown gave us quick ball. The test now is to get a good percentage against better opposition."

Season Ticket and Debenture holders gain FREE entry to the Dragons game as part of the 2010/11 package. Season Ticket holders can also 'Bring a Friend for Free' using the voucher that was sent out as part of 'The 16th Man Guide'. Completed vouchers will be accepted on the turnstiles on the night.

Fans are reminded that the Park & Ride system will also be in operation on Tuesday night but only from the city centre and Blackpole. The County Hall Park & Ride will not be in operation. Fans can park on the night for £5 on a first come, first served basis or with relevant car parking passes.